Subaru Ascent vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2024 Subaru Ascent had a design that was often criticized for its lack of aesthetic appeal. Subaru's designers occasionally crafted attractive vehicles, but the Ascent's recent refresh introduced some controversial styling elements. The addition of visually offensive tusks and a bold spear running across the grille into the headlights did not sit well with many. Despite these design choices, the Ascent's interior in the Premier trim was noted for its quality materials, including premium Nappa leather upholstery and a functional, albeit modular, design. The panoramic sunroof and advanced features like a surround-view camera and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system added to its appeal, though the overall look was more practical than sophisticated.

In contrast, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was praised for its stylish and commanding presence. Available in Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy trims, the Palisade Hybrid integrated seamlessly into the existing Palisade lineup. The exterior featured a massive grille with horizontal slats, LED projector headlights, and distinctive LED daytime running lights. The rear design was equally impressive, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid boasted a thoughtfully crafted cabin with organic shapes and high-quality materials. The interior design was considered superior to many non-luxury crossovers, offering a richer feeling of craftsmanship and comfort.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. Its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) powered all four wheels through a standard all-wheel-drive system with active torque vectoring. The Ascent could tow up to 2,270 kilograms, making it versatile for various driving conditions. It performed well in urban and off-road environments, handling speed humps and rough terrain with ease. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with ratings of 12.3 L/100 km in the city and 9.4 on the highway, and it struggled on twisty mountain roads due to its weight and suspension.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a more advanced powertrain. It combined a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This setup provided ample power for both city driving and highway overtaking. The Palisade Hybrid's eight-speed automatic transmission and next-generation hybrid system contributed to its impressive performance and fuel efficiency. The vehicle's handling was enhanced by its ability to adjust power distribution, and it offered a quiet and comfortable ride, with minimal noise and vibration inside the cabin.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent prioritized functionality with features like a dashboard shelf, large cupholders, and backpack pegs. The Premier trim offered comfortable front seats with premium Nappa leather, though the lack of a height adjuster for the front passenger seat was noted. The Ascent's wide-opening rear doors facilitated easy loading of children and cargo, and the vehicle offered up to 2,140 litres of cargo space with the seats folded. However, legroom in the second row was somewhat limited compared to competitors.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid provided a spacious and comfortable cabin, despite slightly less second-row legroom due to the battery placement. It offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but exceeding others. The Palisade Hybrid featured dual-zone climate control, multiple USB-C power outlets, and a second-row bench seat with optional captain's chairs. The interior was filled with convenient storage solutions, enhancing its practicality for families.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent came with the Starlink infotainment system, featuring an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system included useful features like a navigation system and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, the display was prone to washing out in direct sunlight. The vehicle also offered physical buttons for common functions and a surround-view camera in the Premier trim.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a matching digital instrument cluster. It supported HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Palisade Hybrid included a Driver Talk intercom system and a 14-speaker Bose stereo on higher trims. A standout feature was the built-in dashcam on the Ultimate Calligraphy trim, providing front and rear views. The vehicle also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off.

The 2024 Subaru Ascent was known for its safety features, earning high ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It came with the EyeSight package, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, some advanced features required upgrading to higher trims, and the lane-centring assist technology was criticized for its performance.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid included a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the vehicle featured a safe-exit alert indicator. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time, the 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.